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Riverside State Park, a 10,000-acre park in eastern Washington, is set amid freshwater marshes, forests and open countryside along the Spokane and Little Spokane rivers. Approximately 10.5 miles northwest of Spokane, near the town of Nine Mile Falls, the park has a wide array of recreational amenities, including more than 25 miles of horseback-riding trails. A stable in the park that formerly offered horses for trail riding is no longer staffed, so equestrians must bring their own horses.

Horseback Trails

Equestrian trails at Riverside State Park (parks.wa.gov) are primarily single-track dirt trails, though a few two-track trails are in the park. All trails are multiuse, although some marked areas prohibit bicycles and horses near the park's Bowl and Pitcher overlook. The park's south end has some of Riverside's least-difficult trails. For those riders who want more of a challenge, the Deep Creek trail on the park's north end features a steep hill and one crossing of the namesake creek. Trailheads at the Equestrian Area, Pine Bluff and Inland Road provide those on horseback with access to Riverside Park's southern, northern and middle portions, respectively.

Centennial Trail

It is possible for horseback riders to travel from the southern end of Riverside State Park to the northern end using the western portion of the Spokane River Centennial Trail (spokanecentennialtrail.org). The 37-mile-long, multiuse trail generally follows the contour of the river, beginning at the Idaho state line, then winding near downtown Spokane and through Riverside State Park before ending at Sontag Park near Nine Mile Falls. The Centennial Trail includes a 10-foot-wide paved portion for hikers, joggers and bikers and a parallel 6-foot-wide, natural surface for equestrians, who are not allowed on the paved portion. The trail's Riverside State Park portion, which enters the park at the south end near the park's Equestrian Area, features several climbs and often provides riders with glimpses of wildlife such as bald eagles, hawks and deer.

Equestrian Area

Riverside State Park's Equestrian Area lies at the far south end of the park, on the west side of the Spokane River, just off Aubrey L. White Parkway. The area provides access to the park's entire horse-riding trail system and has restroom facilities and ample parking and unloading areas if you have a horse trailer. An equestrian campground with eight large sites was opened in spring 2012. Vault toilets and water are available. No bikers are allowed in the Equestrian Area, although hikers are permitted. Ample parking and unloading spots for horse trailers also are available at Inland Road and at Pine Bluff/Seven Mile roads near Deep Creek.

Considerations

Equestrians are specifically prohibited from both sides of the river around the Bowl and Pitcher, a natural lava-rock formation, as well as any areas identified as a natural forest area or preserve. Horses are allowed on the park's off-road vehicle trails, but ORVs have right-of-way and if horses are not accustomed to such vehicles, it is recommended that they not be ridden there. Riverside State Park is open year-round from early morning to dusk. A Discover Pass is required for all vehicle parking areas at the state park, with one-day passes and discounted seasonal passes available for purchase through the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife (DiscoverPass.wa.gov).

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About the Author

Robert Kay has written travel articles since 2002 and has more than 20 years of experience at three daily newspapers and a national magazine. His work has appeared in "Golfweek," "The New York Times" and various AAA publications. Now based in Florida, he holds a journalism degree from the University of South Carolina.

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